Pure showband gold as Cork legends roll back the years
‘LEGENDS OF THE CORK SHOWBAND ERA’ SHOW SET TO RETURN TO OPERA HOUSE FOR TWO NIGHTS
FOR people of a certain vintage the halcyon days and nights of the showband era will always hold a special place in their hearts and memories.
As the dull and grey 1950s drew to a close, something of a musical revolution began to take hold in Ireland, with a new brand of brash musicians bringing a fresh style of music to dance halls across the country.
Venues such as the Majestic in Mallow, the Star Ballroom in Millstreet and the Arcadia in Cork city played host to the big names of the day such as the The Dixies, Clipper Carlton, The Royal, The Miami and many more.
It was a period in Irish entertainment that gave the country its first musical ‘superstars’, with singers such as Dickie Rock, Brendan Bowyer, Butch Moore and Brendan O’Brien becoming heroes to their adoring fans.
Many of the showband era’s biggest names will once again take to the stage next month with the welcome return of ‘ The Legends of the Cork Showband Era’ show, which will play to packed audiences at the Cork Opera house for two unmissable nights on September 29 and 30. The show has already proved to be hugely popular with music fans, having sold out performances last year at venues in Cork and Killarney’s Gleneagle Ballroom.
Event co-ordinator Sean O’Sullivan explained to The Corkman how the concept of the shows came about.
“I happened to mention to Art Supple that it would be great to get the Showband personalities from Cork together in a concert. It developed from that, and the reaction from the public has been phenomenal,” said Sean.
One of those set to play both shows will be the evergreen and effervescent Joe Mac of the Dixies, who said he was very much looking forward to them.
“There is a huge market for nostalgia, and as well as that I won’t be lasting forever, so people should come and see me wherever I’m appearing,” Joe said with a twinkle in his eye.
He recalled playing at the Edel Quinn in Kanturk prior to the Dixies turning professional.
“The priest used to come up on the stage there and say the Rosary before the dance started, and of course the birth rate fell to almost below zero,” he joked.
Another seemingly ageless stalwart of the genre, the effervescent Art Supple of The Victors, will play the shows with his seven-piece band along with legends including Paddy Cole, Sandy Kelly and Tony Stevens.
Completing the bill will be another former Dixie, Terry McCarthy; Declan Ryan (The Regal); Johnny ‘The Man With The Golden Trumpet’ Carrol;, Dennis ‘Limerick you’re a Lady’ Allen; and Mary, Derval and Derek of Crystal Swing.
The concerts will also feature a tribute to the late Pat Lynch of the Airchords, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Sean O’Sullivan urged people to book their tickets for both shows early, saying they will sell out well in advance.
“These are truly going to be nights to remember as these legends roll back the years and get audiences dancing in the aisles,” he said.
Tickets from the Cork Opera House box office, on (021) 427 0022, are priced at €34.50.